It is a known fact that the earth is made up of 70% water and 30% land. Part of that landmass are jaw-dropping rock formations. Formed as a result of volcanic activity, the era of erosion, as well as chemical activity, have led to these wondrous sights. We’ve put together 5 of the world’s most mesmerizing rock formations, read on to learn more about them.
Devil’s Tower
Location: Wyoming, USA
Undeniably one of the most highly celebrated and famous landmarks in the States, the Devils Tower was one of the first rock formations ever to be declared as a national monument. Known for its one of a kind features and its position in local beliefs, the tower is a multitude of scaling rocks. The biggest one in the US, the Lakota tribes consider the rock as sacred. It is unclear how this rock formation came to be. Scientists, however, believe it was the result of cooling lava and atmosphere exposure.
Fairy Chimneys
Location: Central Anatolia, Turkey
A visit to the high plateau of central Anatolia in Turkey will lead travelers to a rather magical site. Spindly, thin spires of rock that protrude from badlands are geologically called hoodoos. Reminiscent of a Salvador Dalí piece, the Fairy Chimneys of Turkey brings a feeling of whimsy. Its supernatural appearance and the rocks were formed from the lava of Mount Erciyes. Erosion ended up in the complete formation of these towers.
Wave Rock
Location: East of Hyden, Western Australia
Australia is known around the world for its fantastic surf-ready waves. Amusingly enough, their biggest wave couldn’t be farther from the ocean. The Wave Rock, which is about 15 meters above the outback plain, is 2,700 million years old. The 110-meter granite cliff resembling a huge wave can be seen from various perspectives by merely following a walking trail. The nearby collection of some 450 rock paintings of ancient origins that depicts local aboriginal legends can be found on the walls of Mulka Cave.
Giant’s Causeway
Location: Antrim County, Northern Island
With its unique polygonal basalt column, the Giants Causeway’s rocks were said to predate to some 60 million years and was a result of volcanic eruptions. Aside from these stepping stone like characteristics, visitors will also marvel at the selection of flora and fauna its vicinity. It is also worth mentioning that apart from these columnar shapes, some notable features to look out for are the Giant’s Boot as well as the Chimney Stacks.
Split Apple Rock
Location: Abe Tasman National Park, New Zealand
If you’ve ever wanted to see an honest to goodness piece of the Ice Age, the Split Apple Rock is the one for you. Shaped like a sphere, the rock is split sharply right in the middle. It is said that the split was a direct effect of contraction and expansion of the water around it. Local legends, however, tells the story of a fight between the gods, Poseidon and Zeus to have caused the crack. Those who are thinking of heading to the rock should plan their trip, and preferred viewing is during high tides.
